Favourite Hair Braiding in Baltimore: Protective Styles and Extensions

Favourite Hair Braiding operates as a dedicated braiding salon on Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore, specializing in box braids, locs, twists, and weave installations for clients seeking protective styling and length retention. The shop handles both maintenance of existing extensions and new installations, working primarily with natural hair and synthetic fiber, and does not cut or color hair. It functions as a walk-in and appointment mixed model, serving a neighborhood client base and attracting repeat customers from across the city.

What the salon actually offers

The business focuses on protective hairstyles that allow natural hair to rest and grow. Box braids, whether installed with human hair or synthetic fiber, form the core service. The salon also installs and maintains locs, crochet braids, and sew-in weave installations. Unlike full-service salons that house colorists and cutting stations, Favourite Hair Braiding concentrates its labor and materials on protective styling alone. This narrow focus means wait times can stretch during peak hours, and appointment booking is recommended rather than walking in if you have a specific style in mind.

Services and pricing

Box braids cost between $80 and $200 depending on braid size, length, and hair type. Small braids run longer in installation time and cost more; large box braids with thick sections complete faster and cost less. Medium braids typically fall in the $120 to $150 range. Sew-in weave installations begin at $100 for a quick weave and reach $250 for full head installations requiring hours of work. Loc installations and maintenance, including retwists, range from $60 to $150 per session. Prices assume you are bringing your own hair or synthetic fiber; if you purchase materials in-salon, costs increase. Confirm current pricing by phone, as material costs fluctuate.

How it compares to other Baltimore braiding options

Several other braiding salons operate in Baltimore neighborhoods, but Favourite Hair Braiding distinguishes itself through speed and consistency rather than premium positioning. Salons like Kinks and Coils on The Avenue in Sandtown-Winchester and African Hair Braiding on North Avenue charge similar prices but operate with longer wait lists and sometimes require deposit booking weeks ahead. Favourite Hair Braiding accommodates walk-ins during less busy times, usually weekday mornings and early afternoons. If you need an appointment-only facility with reserved time slots and no crowd, salons like EunJoy Hair Studio in Canton offer all-appointment scheduling at comparable or higher prices. Favourite Hair Braiding suits clients who value accessibility and fast turnaround over quiet, seated waiting areas.

Who it suits and who it does not

This salon works best for people seeking straightforward protective styles without add-on services like coloring or cutting. Clients with textured natural hair and those maintaining locs return regularly. Walk-in availability makes it practical for last-minute styling needs or clients building a relationship with a single braider. It is not suited for people uncomfortable with a busier environment or those wanting a consultation-heavy experience before commitment. If you need your hair styled and completed in one visit without prior appointment, morning or early afternoon weekdays are most reliable.

What to expect on your first visit

Arrive with clean, dry or damp hair. Bring your own braiding hair or synthetic fiber if you have a specific brand preference; in-salon fiber is available but adds cost. Tell the braider your desired style, braid size, and hair length. Installation for box braids takes 4 to 8 hours depending on density and braid size. Sew-in weaves take 2 to 4 hours. You can expect to sit in a chair in a shared workspace with other clients and braiders working simultaneously. Payment is cash or card.

Hours and parking

The salon operates Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Mondays (verify hours by phone, as seasonal holiday closures and special events sometimes shift these). Parking on Pennsylvania Avenue is street-based and can be tight during afternoon and evening hours; arriving before 2 p.m. improves your chances. The nearest lot is two blocks away on Gwynn Oak Avenue.

Favourite Hair Braiding fills a direct need in West Baltimore for fast, consistent protective styling without requiring weeks of advance booking, making it a reliable choice for maintenance and installation in a neighborhood underserved by appointment-only salons.